Solar powered umbrella

ABSTRACT

A solar powered umbrella is disclosed for powering multiple components such as an automatic anchoring device, LED lights, a speaker and/or audio system and bug repeller and/or thermoelectric heating/cooling device. The umbrella includes a canopy, an auger, a solar panel or cell, a momentary 3-way/function toggle switch, and a charging and power socket. The auger is used to anchor the device into and out malleable surfaces such as earth, dirt, grass, etc. The umbrella also includes rechargeable batteries, an electric motor and a gearbox. The shaft from the gearbox protrudes thru and outside the housing of the bottom of the lower tubular member which adapts/connects to the helix/auger. When a waterproof 3-function toggle switch is pushed downward, the helix is driven into the ground and visa-versa. Additional methods of charging consist of an AC and/or DC adapter.

RELATED SUBJECT MATTER

This application claims the benefit of, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/809,006 filed May 30, 2006.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This application incorporates by reference in its entirety patent application Ser. No. ______, also filed May 30, 2007 by the same inventor entitled Multipurpose Auger Anchoring Device.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,152,495 demonstrates a manual or electric means for driving a helical anchor into the ground. The hand-crank or electric motor and battery, as illustrated, are contained outside the metal/aluminum post with the components and connections contained on the top of the outer tubular member. The helical shaft within the outer tubular member has a length consisting of the entire tubular structure/member with alternate objects within, including spring-loaded stabilizing members which protrude into the ground.

Patent #20050211282 discloses a beach umbrella design using an electric torque motor, detachable auger, disposable batteries, two-speed or multi-speed switch and a canopy with a tilt mechanism for adjusting the umbrella/canopy in the direction of the sun. The patent is vague, in that, it does not mention or describe a method for securing the axial lumen of the umbrella to the lower tubular member and attaches only to the specified canopy/umbrella or top half of the umbrella, mentioned within. Also, the upper axial lumen slides over, encases, and encloses the battery pack of the lower tubular member, protecting the battery. The design uses an electric torque motor; “all in one”, instead of an electric motor attached to a gear box which creates torque. Also, the two-speed switch is located on the handle, in which, by applying pressure increases the speed for anchoring and removal purposes.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,866 discloses a patio umbrella with multiple affixed accessories including a table, lights, a fan with heating device, misters, an audio system and a water dispenser. A baffle is used to direct the air from the fan along the inner surface of the umbrella. The base consists of either a battery or AC power which only accommodates patios.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,830,058 discloses a solar power umbrella which powers lights. The base of the umbrella supporting shaft consists of a nominal patio umbrella base which differs from the present invention.

All of these designs, mentioned above, are inconsistent and/or differ from the present invention which incorporates solar power and an auger-anchoring device which uses a planetary-spur gearbox or impact system gear configuration while other uses pinion or mono-gear or none at all. Also, there are no protruding stabilizing members.

The present invention's external components consist of a canopy or awning, a momentary three-position toggle-switch, an auger/helix, a solar cell, an accessory housing and/or power socket and a charging socket. The female plug or socket and switch are located along the exterior of the upper cylindrical tubular member for charging and directional and/or functional purposes, respectively. Methods of charging include AC, DC and/or solar power. Internal components consist of an electric motor, rechargeable batteries, and a gear box: planetary-spur or impact system gear configuration for tougher applications, respectively. The solar cell(s) recharges and/or rejuvenates the rechargeable power source which, in turn, powers all accessories and/or the electric motor. Two switches are used for controls the auger's action and powering the accessories. These and other aspects of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following description and its preferred embodiment when considered with the proceeding drawing and claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An automatic anchoring solar powered umbrella is disclosed for powering multiple accessories and an electric motor thru the use of solar power. The main external components of the outer tubular/cylindrical members and canopy consist of an auger/helical screw, a solar panel or cell, a waterproof momentary 3-way/function toggle switch, and a charging and power socket. The upper and lower tubular member overlap each other using telescoping design similar to those used with most devices such as telescoping pole tree/branch cutters with a coil cable located within which connects the electrical components. The detachable or non-detachable auger/helix is used to bore/anchor the umbrella into and out of malleable surfaces such as dirt, grass, sand, etc. The accessory housing, detachable or non-detachable, may consist of but not limiting to accessories including an audio system, LED lights with a photovoltic sensor or switch, a bug repeller, a fan and/or mister, etc. The internal cylindrical/tubular electrical and mechanical components consist of rechargeable batteries, an electric motor and a gearbox, respectively. The shaft from the gearbox protrudes thru and outside the housing at the lower end, which is permanently mounted to the helix/auger outside the tubular member or housing. When the switch is pushed downward, the helix is driven clockwise into the ground/malleable surface and visa-versa. The switch consists of a waterproof 3-function toggle switch which is located externally along the tubular member. Methods of charging consist of AC, DC and solar power which recharge and/or rejuvenate the rechargeable batteries or power source and power each and/or all accessories and the electric motor. A washer/circular disk, not shown, may be used to stabilize the solar powered umbrella for extra stability or support when anchored and a tilt mechanism may be installed for tilting the canopy in the sun's direction. Other aspects of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following description and its preferred embodiment when considered with the proceeding drawing and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which constitute a part of this specification, exemplary embodiment exhibiting various objectives and features hereof are set forth, specifically:

FIG. 1 illustrates a diagrammatic, cross-sectional view of the design with external mechanical and electrical components in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the canopy/awning and the location of the solar panel(s) or cell(s).

FIG. 3 illustrates the internal electrical and mechanical components of the invention's lower tubular member. Also, the connection between the auger and gear box shaft is shown.

FIG. 4 illustrates the internal electrical and mechanical components, in sequence, of the lower tubular member.

FIG. 5 illustrates the first gear box application consisting of a planetary-spur gear configuration, used with most rechargeable electric drills. Modifications were made to the adjustable torque setting knob by removing and replacing it with a fixed high torque setting.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the second and third gear box assembly application, respectively. The impact gear configuration or system is used with most rechargeable impact drivers/drills. The electric motor can attach to each gear box configuration, FIGS. 5 thru 7, which accommodates the output voltage of the rechargeable batteries or power source.

FIG. 8 illustrates the accessory housing and some of the accessories powered by the solar panel(s) and rechargeable batteries.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As indicated above, a detailed illustrative embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. However, elements in accordance with the present invention may be embodied in a wide variety of forms some of which may be quite different from those of the disclosed embodiment. Consequently, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative; yet in that regard, they are deemed to afford the best embodiment for purposes of disclosure and to provide a basis for the claims herein which define the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates the main components of the invention. An auger/helix 2 or large spiral plastic screw is used to penetrate or screw the solar powered beach/patio umbrella 20 into any malleable surface. The upper tubular member 6 and lower tubular member 1 consists of a non-corrosive durable cylindrical material which uses a telescoping method 9 which extends the pole members. A housing cap 5, detachable or non-detachable may be used for motor and/or gear box accessibility and repairs. Ball bearings 4 may also be included for extra stability and durability. The switch 7 consists of a waterproof 3-function momentary toggle switch, (N.O.: normally off/open), which controls the direction or action of the gear box output shaft 3 and auger 2. When the switch 7 is pushed downward, the helix is driven clockwise into the ground and visa-versa. FIG. 4 illustrates the interior electrical and mechanical components of a design which resembles the components of a rechargeable drill. FIG. 3 illustrates the location of the internal components within the lower tubular member 1. The mechanical gear box 13, (planetary spur or impact system gear configuration), is connected internally to the electric motor 12. The mechanical connection is made by using a gear 14 mounted on the output shaft of the electric motor 12 which enters and connects to gears located within the gearbox 13. Two screws, not shown, on each side of the lower tubular member 1 are used to permanently mount the gear box 13 directly to the lower tubular member 1. FIG. 4 illustrates the mechanical and electrical internal components of the lower tubular member 1, in sequence. An AC adapter charger plugs into the charger socket 8 which is used to regenerate/rejuvenate the rechargeable batteries 11. A solar cell 15, flexible or solid, may be attached/laminated/embedded to the top portion of the canopy 10 for charging purposes. Another source of charging would include a DC cable, not shown. FIG. 5 illustrates the internal components of a planetary-spur gear box while FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the impact system gear configurations for tougher applications. This is the entire mechanical/electrical concept behind the automatic auger. When the switch 7 is pushed downward, the auger/helix turns in a clockwise direction or motion to penetrate and bore into malleable surfaces. When the switch 7 is pushed upward, the auger/screw turns in a counterclockwise motion to release or bore out of malleable surfaces. FIG. 8 illustrates the accessory housing 16 which contains LED's 19, an audio system 17 and possibly a bug repeller 18. Additional accessories may be added to the detachable or non-detachable accessory housing 16.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, it will be apparent that while the disclosed embodiment comprises specific elements and configurations, any of a variety of structure might well be utilized. Accordingly, the scope hereof is deemed to be as set forth in the claims below. 

1. A solar powered automatic umbrella comprising: a telescoping pole having a upper and lower member; a canopy attached to the upper member of said pole; a rechargeable power source; at least one solar cell attached to said canopy to recharge the power source; an auger attached to the lower member of said pole; accessories and electric motor powered by the rechargeable power source; and a switch mounted to an exterior of said pole to manipulate said auger. 